In writing, scene seeds are basically the initial, often small and undeveloped, ideas that can spark a scene or even an entire story. They are the starting point from which a scene or a story can grow.
Scene seeds can originate from brief, suggestive images, moments, concepts, an overheard conversation, news, or another source that creates a spark and acts as a starting point for a scene. It could be a puppy tangled in plastic debris or a character walking into an empty, dilapidated house. Perhaps it’s a faded picture of two elderly men, arm in arm, smiling.
Explore the WHY for each seed. For example, who are the two men in the photo, what is their relationship, and why are they smiling? Could it be they’re old war buddies, brothers who haven’t seen each other in half a lifetime, or are they lifelong friends?
Scene seeds provide the initial idea that writers can use to construct the scene and bring it to life through action, dialogue, internal thoughts, description, and details.
So where do these scene seeds can come from? Just about anywhere. You might think one up. It could be something you've heard, seen, read, or even from your daily activities.
Scene seeds can also encourage brainstorming, allowing writers to freely jot initial ideas down before organizing and structuring them into a scene or an understandable plot.
These seeds can take many forms:
A story idea A character idea A character name A story title A specific scene or situation A compelling line of dialogue A particular setting A central theme An emotion A takeaway idea
BASIC TECHNIQUES TO LET A SCENE SEED GROW
1. Define the scene's purpose and emotional impact.
2. Use showing rather than telling. Immerse the reader in sensory details and focus on actions and reactions.
3. Craft characters and dialogue. Characters should have clear goals. Dialogue should reveal character traits and sound authentic.
4. Employ setting and atmosphere effectively. Create a strong sense of place and build atmosphere with details. “Walking Through Walls” is set in 16th-century China and opens with the main character harvesting wheat with his father in the fields. Even the dialogue sets the place; there are no contractions used. Use details to describe the setting, mood, and theme.
5. Introduce conflict and stakes.
6. Craft structure and pace the scene.
DEVELOPING A SCENE SEED
Developing a scene seed involves expanding on the initial idea by asking questions, such as: • Who are the characters involved? • What is their motivation? • Where is the scene taking place? • What is the conflict or goal? • What kind of mood are you trying to create? • What will the consequences be?
By exploring these questions, a simple scene seed can be morphed into a compelling and engaging narrative moment within a story.
FROM SEED TO DEVELOPMENT
1. Character-focused story seed • Scene Seed: A character has a dream that he’s soaring through the clouds on a massive dragon, and he has control over it. • Development: The character, a boy named Wang, is in awe of the Eternals (a mystical group) and believes his dream is prompting him to find them and seek an apprenticeship. So, he begins a life-changing journey.
2. Event-focused scene seed • Scene Seed: A boy spots fish floating at the beach by the shore. • Development: The scene opens with the boy, named Thomas, spotting the fish. He calls his friends over, and they decide what action they should take.
3. Setting-focused scene seed • Scene Seed: A deserted lighthouse on a stormy night. • Development: The scene opens with a vivid description of the lighthouse. It’s an old structure battered by the wind and rain. The crashing waves and the building’s eerie creaks create a suspenseful atmosphere. A person, perhaps a lighthouse keeper or someone in need of refuge, enters the scene. The person appears frightened and vulnerable. The character could be searching for something, escaping from someone or something, or simply seeking shelter. The stormy weather could add a sense of danger and urgency.
While a seed may focus on a single scene, it should also relate to the story's overall plot and theme. It needs to drive the story forward and reveal the character development.
SUMMING IT UP
By applying these techniques, you can transform a simple scene seed into a powerful and memorable scene that moves your story forward. You can also use a scene seed as the foundation of a story that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
